What is LockBit Ransomware: Variants, Signs and Emerging AI Threats

In today’s cybersecurity landscape, ransomware attacks have evolved into a lucrative and destructive industry, and LockBit is at the forefront of this digital menace. Since its emergence in 2019, LockBit has rapidly become one of the most active and dangerous ransomware families, responsible for a significant share of global cyberattacks between 2021 and 2025.

With its advanced automation, affiliate-based distribution, and relentless development of new variants like LockBit Black, this threat actor has targeted thousands of organizations across industries and borders worldwide. In this blog, we’ll explore how LockBit operates, the different versions it has released, key signs of infection, infection vectors, and how it’s beginning to integrate artificial intelligence into its attack strategies. We’ll also address frequently asked questions to help businesses better understand and defend against this evolving threat.

What Is LockBit Ransomware?

LockBit is a highly sophisticated ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platform that first appeared in September 2019 under the name “ABCD” ransomware. It is designed to encrypt victims’ data and extort payment in exchange for decryption keys, often leveraging double-extortion tactics. This means it locks files and steals sensitive data to pressure victims into paying.

Unlike earlier ransomware strains, LockBit is known for its automation, speed, and effectiveness in spreading through networks once it gains initial access. It uses a modular approach and supports cross-platform attacks on Windows, Linux, and VMware ESXi environments. Its operators rent the malware to affiliates, who execute the attacks and split ransom profits.

From 2021 to 2024, LockBit was one of the most active ransomware families globally, responsible for hundreds of high-profile attacks in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and government sectors. In the U.S. alone, LockBit was linked to over 1,700 ransomware incidents between 2020 and May 2023, resulting in over $91 million in ransom payments, reported by TechRepublic.

LockBit Black (LockBit 3.0)

LockBit Black, also known as LockBit 3.0, is the third major version of the LockBit ransomware family, launched in March 2022. It represents a significant evolution in both technical capabilities and operational strategy, combining code elements from other notorious ransomware like BlackMatter and DarkSide.

Key Components of LockBit Black:

• Modular Design: Allows custom payloads and plugins, making it harder to detect and more adaptable to different environments.
  
• Bug Bounty Program: LockBit became the first ransomware group to launch a “bug bounty” program, inviting hackers to find flaws in its infrastructure.
  
• Payment in Zcash: Besides Bitcoin and Monero, LockBit Black accepted Zcash, an even more anonymous cryptocurrency.
  
• Anti-Analysis Features: Includes advanced obfuscation and sandbox evasion tactics to delay detection.
  
• Data Destruction: Can wipe files and backups if the ransom isn’t paid.
  

LockBit Black also introduced support for Linux and VMware ESXi environments, expanding its reach beyond traditional Windows-based systems. According to multiple cybersecurity reports, LockBit 3.0 was responsible for 21–30% of all ransomware incidents globally between 2022 and mid-2024, making it the most dominant strain.

5 Key Phases of a LockBit Ransomware Attack

A LockBit ransomware attack is a highly coordinated and automated cyber intrusion where attackers deploy malicious software to encrypt critical data and extort money from victims. These attacks often follow a structured process, executed either by LockBit’s core team or its many affiliates under the Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model.

1. Initial Access
    Attackers gain entry through vulnerabilities such as unpatched VPNs, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), phishing emails, or purchased stolen credentials.
   
2. Reconnaissance & Privilege Escalation
    Once inside, they map the network, escalate privileges (using tools like Mimikatz or Cobalt Strike), and disable security software.
   
3. Data Exfiltration
    Before encryption, LockBit operators often stole sensitive files to leverage them as blackmail (double-extortion). Data is exfiltrated using custom tools like StealBit.
   
4. File Encryption
   Using fast encryption algorithms like AES and RSA, LockBit encrypts files and appends unique extensions (e.g., .lockbit). Victims are then presented with a ransom note demanding payment, often in cryptocurrency.
   
5. Ransom Negotiation
    Victims are directed to a Tor-based payment site to negotiate and pay the ransom. If they refuse, stolen data may be publicly leaked on LockBit’s data leak site.

Recent Impact:

• In 2024 alone, LockBit was linked to over 500 confirmed attacks, with major victims including hospitals, universities, and government agencies.
• The FBI revealed that LockBit had extorted over $120 million from global victims by early 2024.
• In May 2024, LockBit accounted for 191 ransomware incidents, the most of any group that month.

What are some common LockBit Ransomware Variants?

Since its emergence, LockBit has undergone significant upgrades, adding new features, evasion techniques, and target capabilities.

1. LockBit 1.0 (2019) – “ABCD”

• Initially named for its file extension .abcd.
  
• Basic encryption capabilities; minimal propagation features.

2. LockBit 2.0 (June 2021)

• Added automatic propagation through networks.
  
• Introduced double-extortion tactics, threatening to leak stolen data.
  
• Accounted for 46% of ransomware activity in some sectors by late 2021.
  
• Extremely fast encryption sometimes encrypting entire networks in minutes.

3. LockBit 3.0 (LockBit Black) (March 2022)

• Most notorious version; added:
  
  • Advanced obfuscation and sandbox evasion.
    
    Bug bounty program and multiple crypto payment options.
    
  • Support for Linux and VMware ESXi attacks.
    
• Responsible for 21–30% of global ransomware attacks between 2022 and 2024.

4. LockBit Green (January 2023)

• Integrated code from the Conti ransomware gang.
  
• Further expanded LockBit’s modular capabilities.
  
• Seen as a hybrid combining traits of LockBit and other major families.

5. LockBit for macOS and Linux (2023)

• Experimental builds were discovered for macOS, marking the first serious effort by a major ransomware group to target Apple systems.
  
• Also developed more aggressive tools for Linux and ESXi servers.

6. LockBit 4.0 (Upcoming, 2025)

• Teased in late 2024, believed to feature AI-driven capabilities, stronger zero-day exploitation, and enhanced data wiping tools.
  
• Expected to be more resilient to law enforcement takedowns after Operation Cronos in early 2024.

What is LockBit Ransomware Group

The LockBit ransomware group is a sophisticated and organized cybercriminal syndicate that operates on a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model. First surfacing in 2019, the group allows affiliates, often skilled threat actors, to use its malware in exchange for a share of the ransom payments, typically around 20–25% going to LockBit operators and the rest to affiliates.

Structure and Operation:

• Core Developers maintain and update the LockBit ransomware code, develop infrastructure, and run leak sites
  
• Affiliates conduct the actual intrusions, often using stolen credentials or exploiting vulnerabilities to gain access to victims’ networks
  
• Many affiliates use StealBit, a proprietary data exfiltration tool, to harvest sensitive files for double extortion.

LockBit’s operators are known not only for their technical skill but also for their corporate-like professionalism, including:

• A custom-built negotiation portal for ransom discussions.
  
• A leak site on the dark web is used to publish stolen data from non-paying victims.
  
• Even a bug bounty program encourages hackers to find the ransomware’s flaws or suggest new features.

Law Enforcement Crackdown:

In February 2024, a major international law enforcement operation temporarily disrupted LockBit’s infrastructure:

• The FBI, UK’s NCA, and Europol coordinated the seizure of servers, takedown of websites, and public exposure of internal documents.
  
• Multiple arrests were made, and the FBI released a decryption tool for some victims.

Despite the disruption, LockBit has shown strong resilience, with signs of regrouping and launching a 4.0 version anticipated in 2025.

How Does LockBit Ransomware Work?

LockBit ransomware is designed for speed, stealth, and scalability. Once deployed, it can encrypt thousands of systems across a corporate network in minutes, causing massive disruption and paralyzing operations. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

1. Initial Access

LockBit affiliates use a variety of methods to gain entry into a victim’s network:

• Phishing emails with malicious attachments or links.
  
• Exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities in VPNs, RDP servers, or web applications.
  
• Buying stolen credentials from dark web marketplaces.

2. Privilege Escalation

After gaining a foothold, attackers seek to escalate privileges by:

• Dumping admin credentials using tools like Mimikatz
  
• Exploiting misconfigured services or outdated software.
  
• Using living-off-the-land binaries (LOLBins) and native Windows tools to avoid detection.

3. Lateral Movement

Using compromised credentials and tools like PsExec, Cobalt Strike, or PowerShell, the attackers move laterally across the network, identifying and targeting high-value systems (domain controllers, file servers, etc.).

4. Data Exfiltration

Before encrypting files, LockBit operators often steal sensitive data using their proprietary tool StealBit or standard data transfer tools like Rclone or MEGA.

5. Encryption

Once data is stolen, the ransomware:

• Encrypts files using a hybrid AES/RSA encryption algorithm.
  
• Appends unique file extensions (e.g., .lockbit, .abcd, or custom affiliate extensions)
  
• Drops a ransom note with payment instructions and a link to a dark web negotiation portal.
  

6. Ransom Demand

Victims are given a deadline to pay the ransom, usually in Bitcoin or Monero. Failure to comply can lead to:

• Permanent data loss via destruction of decryption keys.
  
• Public exposure of sensitive information on LockBit’s leak site.

LockBit’s streamlined, automated attack lifecycle is a key reason why it has become one of the fastest and most damaging ransomware families in recent years.

How do I Identify Key Signs of a LockBit Attack?

Detecting a LockBit ransomware attack early can mean distinguishing between minor disruption and a full-scale data breach. However, LockBit is known for its stealth and speed, often encrypting systems in minutes once fully deployed. Below are common signs that may indicate an active or impending LockBit intrusion:

1. Unusual Network Activity

• Unexpected spikes in outbound traffic, particularly to unknown IP addresses or cloud storage platforms (e.g., MEGA, Dropbox).
  
• Lateral movement using SMB, PsExec, or RDP protocols.
  
• High-volume scanning of internal systems and ports.

2. Disabled Security Tools

• Antivirus or EDR systems are disabled, uninstalled, or malfunctioning.
  
• Group policies are altered to turn off Windows Defender, firewall rules, or backup services.

3. Suspicious User Behavior

• Unusual login times, particularly during nights or weekends.
  
• Multiple failed login attempts or use of new, unauthorized admin accounts.
  
• Privileged accounts accessing systems they usually wouldn’t.

4. File and System Changes

• Files with unusual or sudden changes in extensions (e.g., .lockbit, .abcd).
  
• Presence of ransom notes in various directories (usually named Restore-My-Files.txt or similar).
  
• File servers or shared drives become inaccessible or corrupted.

5. Visual Defacement

• In more aggressive variants (especially LockBit Black), entire desktops or public-facing websites are replaced with ransom messages.
  

If any of these signs are detected, organizations should immediately isolate the affected systems, activate their incident response plan, and notify cybersecurity teams or law enforcement.

What are Primary LockBit Ransomware Infection Methods?

LockBit uses various sophisticated techniques to gain initial access and establish persistence inside target environments. These methods are continually evolving and tailored to exploit human behavior and system vulnerabilities.

1. Phishing & Social Engineering

• LockBit affiliates often use well-crafted phishing emails with malicious attachments or links that download loaders or remote access tools.
  
• Attachments may include malicious macros in Word/Excel files or embedded payloads in PDFs.

2. Exploiting Remote Access Services

• RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) and VPNs are prime targets, especially when exposed to the internet.
  
• LockBit frequently exploits weak passwords, brute-force attacks, or known vulnerabilities (e.g., Fortinet, Citrix, Pulse Secure).

3. Use of Initial Access Brokers (IABs)

• The LockBit group often buys access to compromised networks via Initial Access Brokers, who sell pre-infiltrated systems, often obtained via info stealers or credential dumps.

4. Exploiting Unpatched Vulnerabilities

• LockBit affiliates regularly target systems with unpatched vulnerabilities, such as:
  
  
  • ProxyShell and ProxyLogon (Microsoft Exchange)
    
    Log4Shell (Apache Log4j)
    
  • Fortinet and Citrix vulnerabilities

5. Living off the Land (LotL) Techniques

• Uses native tools like PowerShell, WMI, Task Scheduler, and PsExec to move laterally and escalate privileges without triggering security alerts.

6. Dropper and Loader Malware

• Before deploying LockBit, attackers may use loaders like QakBot, Cobalt Strike, or Smokeloader to establish a foothold.

7. Fileless Malware and Obfuscation

• Some versions of LockBit (predominantly Black) utilize fileless execution, memory-only payloads, and code obfuscation to bypass antivirus detection.

These infection methods demonstrate LockBit’s operational maturity and the importance of layered defenses, including user training, patch management, and zero-trust network policies.

How can AstrillVPN prevent Lockbit ransomware?

AstrillVPN can help prevent LockBit ransomware attacks by encrypting internet traffic, masking IP addresses, and protecting users from DNS-based threats, thereby reducing exposure to the initial access methods commonly used by LockBit affiliates.

By securing remote connections through strong tunneling protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and StealthVPN, AstrillVPN makes it harder for attackers to exploit remote access systems’ vulnerabilities, a frequent target of ransomware campaigns. It also blocks access to malicious websites often used in phishing attacks, a primary delivery mechanism for LockBit payloads.

While AstrillVPN cannot detect or remove ransomware, it plays a crucial role in a layered security strategy by safeguarding communications, limiting visibility to threat actors, and reducing the overall attack surface, especially for remote workers and businesses operating in hybrid environments.

Privilege Escalation in LockBit Attacks – Common Techniques

Privilege escalation is a critical phase in a LockBit ransomware attack. After gaining initial access, often through phishing or exploiting remote access services, the attackers seek administrator-level privileges to move laterally, disable security tools, and access high-value systems.

1. Credential Dumping

• LockBit affiliates often use tools like Mimikatz, LaZagne, or LSASS memory dumps to extract usernames and passwords from compromised systems.
  
• They may also harvest stored browser credentials or use token impersonation to act as privileged users.
  

2. Exploitation of Misconfigurations

• Weak group policy settings, improperly assigned user roles, or a lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA) can give attackers elevated privileges with little resistance.
  
• Misconfigured Active Directory environments are often a goldmine for LockBit operators.
  

3. Pass-the-Hash / Pass-the-Ticket Attacks

• These techniques allow attackers to use stolen NTLM hashes or Kerberos tickets to authenticate as a privileged user without knowing their password.
  

4. Abuse of Legitimate Admin Tools

• Once elevated, attackers use tools like PsExec, PowerShell, and Remote Desktop to navigate systems and deploy the ransomware payload.
  
• This approach, often called “living off the land”, helps them avoid detection by traditional antivirus or EDR systems.
  

5. Disabling Security Controls

• With escalated privileges, LockBit actors disable or uninstall antivirus, EDR, or backup software, making it easier to execute the ransomware undetected and preventing recovery.
  

Privilege escalation not only increases the scope of an attack but also significantly boosts attackers’ leverage during ransom negotiations, especially when sensitive or regulatory-protected data is involved.

How LockBit Uses AI and Automation?

As of 2024–2025, the LockBit ransomware group has increasingly incorporated AI and automation into its operations, amplifying its attacks’ scale, efficiency, and stealth. While LockBit is not the first group to experiment with AI, it is among the most aggressive in integrating it across various phases of the attack lifecycle.

1. AI-Powered Reconnaissance & Scanning

• AI tools scan thousands of systems at a rate of 36,000 targets per second, identifying vulnerable endpoints, unpatched software, or exposed services.
  
• These tools prioritize targets based on attack surface, value, and potential ransom yield.

2. Automated Phishing with Generative AI

• Affiliates use tools like WormGPT or FraudGPT to craft hyper-realistic phishing emails that bypass spam filters and deceive recipients more effectively.
  
• Social engineering attempts have also observed AI-generated voice phishing (vishing) and deepfake videos.

3. Dynamic Malware Generation

• AI models can help generate new obfuscated versions of LockBit payloads that evade signature-based detection systems.
  
• Machine learning algorithms test payloads against antivirus engines in real time and automatically adjust code to remain undetected.
  

4. Target Prioritization and Data Triage

• Once data is exfiltrated, AI helps sort and categorize files to identify the most valuable or sensitive content (e.g., legal documents, financial records, IP).
  
• This accelerates the ransom demand process and enhances pressure tactics, such as first threatening to leak high-impact data.
  

5. AI in Negotiation Bots

• Some affiliates have begun testing AI-driven chatbots for automated ransom negotiations on dark web portals, standardizing responses and speeding up payment processes.
  

Impact of AI on LockBit Operations:

• According to recent reports, the use of AI has contributed to a 42% increase in attack frequency from late 2023 to early 2025.
  
• AI-driven LockBit campaigns are more complex to detect, faster to execute, and more destructive than earlier versions, especially in hybrid work environments with larger attack surfaces.

Conclusion

LockBit ransomware represents one of the most persistent and adaptable threats in the cybercrime ecosystem. Its rapid evolution from its early days as the “.abcd” variant to the sophisticated LockBit 3.0 and emerging 4.0 demonstrates how cybercriminals continuously refine their tools to maximize impact. With AI-powered attacks, enhanced evasion techniques, and a highly organized affiliate model, LockBit is no longer just a technical threat; it’s a global operational menace. Organizations of all sizes must recognize the importance of proactive cybersecurity strategies, including regular patching, zero-trust architectures, staff training, and advanced threat detection. As LockBit and similar ransomware groups continue to innovate, the need for resilience, preparedness, and rapid incident response has never been greater.

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